Adam Ramsay-Peaty has responded to critics "who want to hurt me and my family with comments" after his "bittersweet" bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games.
The Olympic champion swimmer, 31, and Holly Ramsay-Peaty, 26, tied the knot last December and recently announced they are expecting their first child together.
Instagram post expressing gratitude
Ramsay-Peaty expressed his gratitude and love for his wife, the daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, for supporting him at the multi-sport event in a post on Instagram on Monday. He also shared several photos from the Commonwealth Games, including one of him and his wife sharing a sweet kiss after he took home the bronze for his performance in the 100 metre breaststroke on Saturday.
Ramsay-Peaty called his latest achievement a "proud moment" and explained why he continues to compete as a swimmer. He said: "I still love standing on the blocks, hearing the roar of the crowd, fighting inch by inch in every stroke, putting myself on the line, and, because I'm not finished. Ultimately, I know these are the stories I will be telling my children and their children."
Reflection on the race and addressing critics
The swimmer also described placing third as a "bittersweet moment", and added: "I know in my soul that I am capable of much more, as all athletes, I push myself to the extremity in training for better results. The race just didn't come together unfortunately and I am building my race skills back together."
The lengthy message included words of inspiration to younger athletes as Ramsay-Peaty reflected on his latest result, and he also addressed those who have criticised his family. He said: "To the people out there who want to hurt me and my family with comments, I have seen this story a thousand times with other athletes from many sports. We are athletes, doing something we love and that is our deepest passion. As it's said, be the change you want to see in the world, and, I want a better world for the next generation of athletes. Love always wins."
The swimming star hit headlines last year after reports of an ongoing family feud with his parents – Mark and Caroline – and they missed his lavish wedding to model Holly. The couple have both begun to use the surname Ramsay-Peaty since tying the knot.
Support from wife and upcoming events
Ramsay-Peaty added that he is "thankful for my wife, my friends, my team, and the people in the stands who cheer my name" and described competing in his fourth Commonwealth Games as "the greatest honour". The athlete, who will compete in the 50 metre breaststroke event on Monday, said "tonight I go again" and ended the post with a reflection on his successful swimming career – which has seen him win three Olympic gold medals.
The comments were flooded with messages of support, including one from his wife who said she is "so proud of you, always" followed by a heart emoji. The mother-to-be also shared the post to her Instagram story as she expressed her pride.
The couple reportedly met through her sister Tilly when the two took part in BBC dancing programme Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. They announced their engagement in 2024.
